Forget the ‘Queer Eye’ Reboot, Here’s the Makeover Reality Show We Really Need
In 2003 the nation was captivated by one of the Bravo network’s first reality shows, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” The premise was five gay men from different backgrounds and fields of expertise help a straight guy improve his life. The five cohosts were experts in style, grooming, culture, food, and decorating. Each show usually included a makeover, redecorating of an apartment, cooking a meal for a woman in his life, and maybe learning to dance. (The poor “culture” expert really didn’t have much to do.) To their credit, the hosts didn’t emasculate their targets. They just gave them some polish.
Entertainment Weekly recently reported that the show is being rebooted on Netflix. According to producers:
“In a time when America stands divided and the future seems uncertain, a team of five brave men will try to bring us closer together with laughter, heart, and just the right amount of moisturizer. The Emmy Award-winning Queer Eye is back and ready to Make America Fabulous Again. With a new Fab 5 and the show’s toughest missions to date, Queer Eye moves from the Big Apple to turn the Red States pink — one makeover at a time.”
I would love to see a reality show that improves men’s lives and skills, especially for the millennials who seem to be struggling with “adulting.” Sure there are some straight guys who might need some polishing, but let’s be honest: there are also some guys who could use a little roughing up, too. Here are my ideas for a new reality show called “From Millennial to Man.” These experts can turn Pajama Boy into a productive member of society.
Mike Rowe, Career and Communications Expert
No one knows more about the changing needs of the job market than Mike Rowe. He is an important advocate for skilled, often high-paying jobs through the Mike Rowe Works Foundation. Rowe is the perfect choice to help men expand their definition of success. Rowe has said that of the 300 people he interviewed on his former show “Dirty Jobs,” 40–50 were multimillionaires. Rowe can introduce and counsel viewers on the many overlooked job opportunities that are available. For those who are gainfully employed, Rowe has a new podcast called “The Way I Heard It” that can be very helpful in polishing one’s communications skills.
Alternate/Fill-in: Mike Broomhead, former bullrider, electrician/business owner, and current talk radio and TV host.
Greg Gutfeld, Politics and Culture Expert
Contrary to popular belief, being a man doesn’t mean one must get dirty for a living or be a caricature of a Trump voter. Greg Gutfeld would be the perfect Politics and Culture Expert for “From Millennial to Man” because he bucks political and cultural stereotypes perpetuated by both sides. He’s a conservative, but doesn’t listen to country music. He can enjoy art, music and other forms of entertainment without getting bogged down in artists’ political beliefs. Furthermore, he can successfully host two shows on Fox News and not be bothered by whether every viewer “gets” him. That takes confidence.
Alternate/Fill-in: Former Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, an author, guitarist and artist
Terry Schappert, Life Skills Expert
As a former Army medic and Green Beret, Terry Schappert delivered babies, pulled teeth, inoculated farm animals and survived for days with only the supplies he could carry in a backpack. Prior to joining the Army, Schappert got a BA in Anthropology. He has hosted numerous shows showcasing his skills, including “Warriors” on the History Channel, “Dude, You’re Screwed” and a Shark Week special on Discover Channel, and the upcoming “Hollywood Weapons” on the Outdoor Channel. He’s not a survivalist or weekend warrior, but a true hero who can show men how to survive everything from a mugging to a power outage.
Alternate/Fill-in: Mike Baker, former CIA covert ops officer and frequent TV guest. He might not be a survivalist, but he can make everyone think he is.
Tyrus, Fitness Expert
If you’re a Fox News viewer, you’re seeing a lot more of professional wrestler, actor and former bodyguard to Snoop Dog, Tyrus (aka Brodus Clay, George Murdoch, and The Funkasaurus). Tyrus is a Fox News contributor and regular guest on “The Greg Gutfeld Show.” On Instagram you can follow his workouts and weight loss journey. Forget the Fitbits and fancy gym equipment. Tyrus will show men how to get in shape through old-fashioned sweat and hard work. ‘Nuff said (as he often says).
Alternate/Fill-in: Derek Weida, who calls himself “just a dude,” but is also a fitness inspiration for combat wounded veterans like him and regular people like me.
Nick Gillespie, Style Expert
I think “Queer Eye” cohost Carson Kressley, who was just terminated on “The Celebrity Apprentice,” would agree that having a personal style is more important than following trends. You’ll never see Reason.tv and libertarian writer Nick Gillespie wearing skinny jeans, but you will see him in his trademark black leather jacket and blacker coif. After all, branding is just as important as style. Gillespie can also provide some inspiration on decorating. Forget setting the mood with wine and music. Nothing is more seductive than a man who actually has art on his walls.
Alternate/Fill-in: Author and TV personality Gavin McInnes who wrote this guide on how to dress.
Cam Edwards, Food and Drink Expert
The “farm to table” food trend is a lifestyle for Cam Edwards. He is host of “Cam and Company” on NRA TV and Sirius XM Patriot, as well as host of the podcast “40 Acres and a Fool.” On his farm he lovingly rubs the bellies of his “bacon seeds.” He says a happy pig is a tasty pig. If you can say you’ve met your food, that’s more expertise than most millennials have. Not every man needs to be a farmer, but Edwards can provide some perspective on respecting the food we put into our bodies. As for drink expertise, he named his dogs Bulleit and Booker as tribute to the bourbon brands he loves.
Alternate/Fill-in: Chef David Burke, a Bravo “Top Chef Masters” alum who didn’t get caught up in the anti-Donald Trump drama surrounding the opening of his DC hotel.
Chris Barron, Sports Expert
Many millennials grew up receiving participation trophies and may not be familiar with keeping score. Chris Barron is a die-hard sports fan that can teach them everything they need to know. He plays for a recreational hockey league in Virginia and has written on football, baseball and hockey for numerous websites, including Pens Initiative, More Than a Fan, The Hockey Writers, Bleacher Report, and Breitbart Sports. He’s also a frequent guest on “Kennedy” on Fox Business and “Red Eye with Tom Shillue” on Fox News. Surprise twist: He’s gay!
Alternate/Fill-in: Tim Tebow, baseball player and football player.
